The nurses’ role in reducing delirium risk in older adults: A focus on modifiable risk factors

Abstract

This opinion piece aims to discuss modifiable risk factors, highlight the important role nurses play in delirium prevention and discuss preventative measures that can be implemented. Delirium is a complex and multifaceted neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with the disorientation of attention, memories and hallucinations and is known to impact an individual’s functionality and physical health. The condition is often associated with prolonged hospital stays, higher mortality, and prolonged cognitive and functional decline. Delirium can also incur high financial costs and emotional burdens for families and caregivers. Therefore, the identification of risk factors is important to the prevention and management of this morbid disease. Delirium is prevalent amongst the older adult population, it is often undiagnosed within healthcare, thus nurses play an imperative role in managing delirium and providing compassionate and tailored interventions to minimise the incidence and impact of delirium in older adults. Nurses can play a role in modifying factors to ensure that preventative measures are implemented to reduce the risk of delirium. However, an open-minded attitude and a knowledge of delirium are essential to effectively implement preventative measures to prevent poor outcomes associated with delirium.